Wavelength Electronics Inspires High School Students at the EconoQuest Conference Luncheon

Wavelength Electronics was invited to attend the EconoQuest Conference Luncheon at Montana State University in Bozeman on Monday, October 28th. EconoQuest is a ground-breaking international economic literacy program sponsored by the Montana World Affairs Council. It seeks to excite high school students about real-world economics and career opportunities. It provides a unique opportunity to engage with local companies and government leaders about economics, international trade, and workforce development. By participating, Montana students will understand basic economic theory, Montana’s connection to the world, the impact of global dynamics on our economy, and engage students in career pathways in various industries. Mary Johnson and Bryan Livergood spoke with teenagers from all over Montana to help them determine if Photonics or high tech is a good career path for them to choose. Almost 300 students and their teachers attended with all expenses paid.

econoquest

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CASE STUDY: Simultaneous Multi-Gas Detection Using ICL Photoacoustic Spectroscopy

Researchers from China have developed and demonstrated a simultaneous, multi-component gas detection system based on differential Helmholtz resonance spectroscopy with a mid-infrared, tunable, interband cascade laser (ICL). The first harmonic demodulation method was used under ambient pressure to detect three light carbon gases: CH4, C2H4, and C2H6. Using this photoacoustic system, the detection limits reached 98.8 ppb, 252 ppb, and 33 ppb for methane, ethylene, and ethane, respectively. Multi-wavelength linear regression was implemented to reduce the effects of cross-interference of the three gases, maintaining the accuracy of the gas concentration measurements.

This new method, using an ICL with a Helmholtz resonator, provides a simple and fast multiple gas detection technique for atmospheric research, medicine, the food industry, pollutant monitoring, and the power industry. Researchers used Wavelength Electronics’ WTC3243 Temperature Controller to ensure ultra-stable temperature of the tunable ICL. Precise temperature control of the laser wavelength was crucial with the current ramp changing the laser wavelength only a few nanometers for the full absorption spectrum of the three gases. With a consistent and precise laser temperature, researchers can ensure an accurate and repeatable output from the laser. They also used the WTC3293 Evaluation Board to rapidly prototype their control system. These devices enabled quick integration of the laser control system with the Helmholtz resonance spectrometer for multi-component gas detection for environmental, atmospheric, or industrial applications.

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Stable Laser Control – A Comparative Analysis

A recent comparative study at Purdue University between laser drivers from Wavelength Electronics and a competitor highlighted two key advantages of Wavelength products: significantly lower noise and a more consistent power spectrum in the laser output. The study found that Wavelength’s laser drivers consistently exhibited a lower noise floor compared to the competitor’s models. This lower noise is crucial for applications requiring high precision, such as spectroscopy, where even small fluctuations can impact measurement accuracy and overall system performance.

With this high-performance experiment, Wavelength is set to release a new laser driver designed to focus on low current operation, low noise, and will integrate a built-in temperature controller, offering full control for laser systems. By ensuring minimal noise and providing precise temperature regulation, the instrument will help maintain thermal stability, reduce drift, narrow linewidth, and enhance the consistency of laser output. With this new release, Wavelength Electronics aims to deliver a comprehensive solution that combines low-noise performance, low current driving, and thermal management, adding to the wide range of products available for any application. Check out our website for updates on this new product.

Electro-Optics Spotlights Wavelength Electronics

Electro-Optics magazine had an excellent summary of Wavelength Electronics in their September issue:

Inside Wavelength Electronics: Innovating laser system technology since 1993
“Our clients get stable wavelength, stable power, stable current, and stable temperature,” says Johnson. This reliability has helped to ensure that Wavelength Electronics is a trusted name across numerous industries, including medical diagnostics and surgery, spectroscopy, military applications, and the burgeoning quantum space. Their temperature controllers, known for their precision, are now integral to some of the most advanced research and commercial applications globally.

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